5.1 Asbestos Surveys

• 5.1.1  Current EPA and NYSDOL regulations require an asbestos survey to be completed for any demolition, renovation projects, and newly installed materials.  Contractors involved in construction of new buildings or renovation of existing buildings are contractually obligated to certify material used in the project is asbestos-free. This obligation is met by utilizing a third party asbestos certified inspection firm and is managed within the Facilities and Campus Services. 
• 5.1.2  NYS Code Rule 56, Subpart 56-5.1(f) provides a listing of potential asbestos containing building materials.  A subset of this list can be found on the EHS Asbestos webpage. Suspect asbestos containing materials that are not sampled and lack clear manufacturer information must be assumed to be asbestos containing and treated as such.  Further guidance regarding suspect material can be found in Standard Operating Procedure HS16_ASB_SOP001 Potential Asbestos Containing Building Materials.
• 5.1.3  A number of buildings have asbestos inventory summaries posted on the Facilities and Campus Services facility information page.  Additional information may be available from the Asbestos Coordinator.  Asbestos surveys can be scheduled by contacting Customer Service at 607-255-5322 and having a Service Request issued to the Asbestos Coordinator. 
• 5.1.4  Vermiculite Containing Material

1. Building material containing vermiculite with no information on the mining source or the source is Libby Montana will be treated as follows:
   1. Bulk or loose fill vermiculite will be treated as asbestos containing material
   2. Vermiculite products other than sprayed on fire-proofing containing greater than 10% vermiculite will be treated as asbestos containing material
   3. All surfacing material [sprayed-on, troweled-on, or otherwise applied to surfaces (acoustical or finish plaster on ceilings and walls) and fireproofing materials on structural members] containing vermiculite must be analyzed using an approved NYDOH analytical method or treated as asbestos containing material.
   4. Consult with EHS for vermiculite from mines other than Libby Montana.

5.2 Asbestos Abatement

• 5.2.1  Any asbestos that may be impacted by the renovation, maintenance, repair, investigation or demolition activity must be abated prior to the commencement of such activity.  Asbestos abatement and repair must be performed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. 
• 5.2.2  Asbestos abatement and repair services are typically managed through the Asbestos Coordinator.  To initiate an asbestos abatement or repair project, contact Customer Service at 607-255-5322 to have a Service Request generated.  Large scale renovation or demolition projects asbestos abatement may be contractually managed by the project General Contractor. 
• 5.2.3  Asbestos survey and project records shall be provided electronically to the Asbestos coordinator upon completion of the project.
• 5.2.4  Projects involving endowed college buildings in Ithaca City limits require permitting from Ithaca City. 
• 5.2.5  Projects involving contract college buildings require permitting by the University Code Enforcement representative.

5.3 Code Rule 56, In-Plant Operations, Asbestos Abatement

• 5.3.1  Cornell University is an independent private institution chartered by act of the New York State Legislature (chapter 585 of the Laws of 1865), operating four contract colleges on behalf of the State of New York pursuant to Article 115 of the Education Law. The University is expressly granted custody and control over all contract college facilities by the Education Law.  For purposes of Subpart 56-11.1, any contract college facilities are Cornell premises by virtue of such custody and control.  Cornell University is the employer for all contract college facilities, and the University is not a political subdivision of the State, a public authority or other governmental agency.  Cornell’s contract college facilities meet the qualifying criteria of subpart 56-11.1(b), and accordingly In-Plant Operations may be used in those facilities.

5.4 Incidental Disturbance

• 5.4.1  An incidental disturbance is defined as the unintentional disturbance of ACM or PACM.  The clean-up of an incidental disturbance must be conducted by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.  An environmental consultant under the direction of the Asbestos Coordinator will oversee the clean-up response.  EHS can provide assistance as needed.
• 5.4.2  In the event an employee discovers an incidental disturbance of asbestos, the following protocol shall be followed:

1. Do not attempt to clean up the ACM or PACM
2. Immediately vacate the room and restrict access to room using signage and barrier/caution tape
3. Issue an emergency Service Request to the Asbestos Coordinator by contacting Customer Service at 607-255-5322.  State that you have an “asbestos incidental disturbance”
4. Outside of normal business hours, call CU Police at 607-255-1111 to report an asbestos incidental disturbance or emergency. 

• 5.4.3  For additional information regarding the incidental disturbances and asbestos related emergencies see Standard Operating Procedure HS16_ASB_SOP002 Asbestos Incidental Disturbances and Emergency Response.